6 Ways to Stop Receiving Junk Mail

The amount of paper that comes in the mail can be overwhelming. And the number of trees being used to produce it is staggering – one and a half trees per US household per year. That’s about 100 million trees annually! There are creative reuses for junk mail, and you can recycle it. But it’s even better if you can stop receiving it altogether. Here are some tips on how to put the stop on junk mail.

Contact the companies who are sending you the junk mail

This is especially effective with regard to catalogues. If you call and request to be taken off a company’s mailing list, they will do it. It does take time, but so does dealing with junk mail. It’s been said that adults spend a total of eight years of their lives dealing with junk mail.

Pay an organization to stop the mail for you

A non-profit group called 41pounds.org will, for a fee, contact major marketers and get your name taken off of their mailing lists.

Be careful who gets your information

When you apply for a credit card, library card, check into the hospital, or even fill out a card for a door prize, you give out your personal information. This can be shared and generate more junk mail for you.

Make sure you are clear with the organization that you do not want your information shared. You can do this verbally, or even better, write “do not sell or share my name and address” clearly on the application or whatever paperwork has your information on it.

Black out personal information before recycling, or shred your junk mail first

Or you can do both. The reason you get junk mail is because someone got your name and mailing information. When you send your junk mail off to be recycled (or throw it away), you put it out there to be seen by many different people.

Be aware of telephone calls from telemarketers who want your information

They may claim they need your name and social security number or address to confirm if you’re the individual they are looking for. Don’t fall for it.

Register with the Mail Preference Service (MPS)

This is part of the Direct Marketing Association (DMA). If you are registered with the MPS, the DMA will put your name in a specific “do not mail” category.

My name is Aubrey and I am a proud wife and mother to three. When I started my small garden a few years ago it served as a catalyst for changing the way we live: Eating fresh, playing in the dirt, and doing crafts and DIYs that are inspired by nature. We may not be perfect, but we do the best we can. Please join me and my family as we discover recipes and explore the outdoors in our attempt to reconnect with nature. Learn More ››

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